Receivers/Tight Ends
Daniel:
WR: 1. Marquez North 2. Jason Croom
WR: 1. Von Pearson 2. Josh Malone
WR: 1. Pig Howard 2. Josh Smith
TE: 1. Ethan Wolf 2. Alex Ellis
Thoughts: I like those six as the primary receiver rotation with Preston Williams becoming a factor when he’s back to 100% healthy – which could be as early as the Bowling Green game. Johnathon Johnson, Cody Blanc and maybe Vincent Perry could factor in for depth. Wolf is the best all-around TE on the roster, though Ellis is a dependable backup as well. Neiko Creamer could be the wild card at TE – he looked really good in practice late in 2014.
Houston:
WR: 1. Marquez North 2. Jason Croom
WR: 1. Von Pearson 2. Josh Malone
WR: 1. Pig Howard 2. Josh Smith
TE: 1. Ethan Wolf 2. Alex Ellis
Thoughts: I don’t know that this is exactly how things will shake out, but it’s hard to see it any other way at this point. I fully expect Howard, Pearson and Smith to be able to play any of the positions by next season, making them virtually interchangeable – so who takes the first snap may be based on a weekly competition at practice. A healthy marquez North gives this team the weapon they need on the outside, while an emerging Josh Malone could take this group to the next level. Wolf and Ellis give the Vols a strong duo at TE, but, like Daniel, I’ll warn that sleeping on Neiko Creamer is a bad idea.
Reed:
WR: 1. Marquez North 2. Josh Malone
WR: 1. Von Pearson 2. Jason Croom
WR: 1. Pig Howard 2. Josh Smith
TE: 1. Ethan Wolf 2. Alex Ellis
Thoughts: Josh Smith and Josh Malone aren’t listed as starters but should see significant playing time. North, if healthy, is a lock at one spot. Pig Howard led the team in receiving the last two seasons – it’s tough to see anyone starting over him. Pearson could be in line for a breakout year if he can stay on the field. Wolf should be more productive in the passing game if the OL improves. Lots of potential for this group through the two deep. Throw Preston Williams in the mix and you have seven very solid receivers.
